Reading glasses on, fingers interlaced, clothed inconspicuously in what is adherent to business casual.
Black coffee steaming, thumbs twiddling and NPR humming a mumbled drone. Wait… what did the reporter say? Scrolling through countless emails as you tune into the latest national breaking news, you suddenly question: Since when did the daily news update only highlight tragic events? What the hell happened to uplifting filler stories of firemen rescuing kittens from trees or local interviews of the classic do-gooder?
I am a 20-something individual who just realized I cannot remember the last time I listened to the daily programmed news report without hearing mention of horrific realities of the culture we live in - police brutality, systemic racism, radical terrorism, mass shootings and rape to simply name a few.
How can I so blindly and ignorantly listen to these reportings and unwarrantedly feel momentary loss and pain for the tragic injustices that occur so often in our routine lives that when I’m informed, it serves a “background noise” to whatever else I am doing?
Perhaps blame can be laid upon the media platforms that report these incidents for setting a riveting example by specifically highlighting the juicy aspects of these events that stain the moral value of the world we live in. Or rather, ineffective movement is an unfortunate cause of trivialization of tragic events by social media campaigns that distract attention away from the true mater of subject. No - neither of these are legitimate excuses for the blame game that unpardonably characterizes the reaction of the general public.
Social media campaigns inadvertently and trivially mask the significance of controversial issues and tragic events by focusing attention away from marginalized individuals and towards the nit picky opinions of those observing.
STOP making groups such as Black Lives Matter and other modern liberation movements simply a hashtag on your Facebook account. News Flash- Instagram photos with support memos do next to nothing for people who are currently suffering. Our support as human beings should not simply be a social media proclamation but physical evidence of compassion, understanding and a willingness to serve. Have you ever thought of extending your service as an individual to actually going out to make a difference by extending provision for change? Or is your part in the matter subjectively limited to the 140-character limit of your Tweet?
While there is nothing wrong with open discussion regarding the injustices we see and experience every day, this must be done with integrity, wisdom and open mindedness. Be willing to accept the opposition and anticipate it. For your opinion to be credible and noteworthy, have evidence to support your claim. Most importantly, DO NOT allow your own ideals or the ideals of others to take a higher notion of importance over the true fact of the matter. You are entitled to having your own outlook, however, we must recognize that perspective is skewed and individual: Behave accordingly. Perspective is subjective but humanity is not.
Regardless, of what you find is sufficient for your part in making a difference to stop current world tragedies, action must be taken by the general public. For authentic change, your participation may not simply extend to listening to podcasts and ranting upon social media platforms. Online support is not a cop-out for offline justice. This is not up for debate.
